Hi Everyone,

I am posting this on behalf of the AONB and associated organisations.

Some people may have helped out last year but they are looking to increase the number of surveyors for 2020. Full details and contact information below…

Volunteer Role Description

Nightjar Survey Volunteer

Background
The Blackdown Hills AONB in partnership with the Forestry England (FE), Somerset Ornithological Society (SOS) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are looking to recruit a team of Nightjar Survey Volunteers to undertake a scheme to monitor the population of singing male Nightjars within the Blackdown Hills AONB on FE, National Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust land.

This is the second year of the recording scheme which aims to contribute to long term datasets of Nightjar populations within the Blackdown Hills AONB and across Somerset. The long term goal being to find out more about the habitats they use and what management work can be undertaken for their benefit.

Main Tasks
• Attend one of the training days ran by BTO and SOS on either the 4th or 11th June, 7-10.30pm in Hemyock which includes a local site visit 9.30-10.30pm
• Undertake one dusk survey week beginning 15th June and one dawn survey week beginning 13th July
• Undertake surveying in small groups at a designated sites
• Volunteers will need to be able to walk up to 2 miles over rough terrain. Survey sites may involve climbing over fences and gates where unavoidable
• Volunteers will be required to hand in survey forms/records to project staff after surveys.
• Volunteers will need to be able to make their own way to survey sites or liaise with other members of their surveying group to get there
• Volunteers will be expected to liaise with AONB and FE staff and observe our health and safety policies and procedures including lone working

Volunteering for the AONB Service gives you the chance to:
• Increase your knowledge and understanding of the natural environments of the Blackdown Hills
• Be trained in and use surveying techniques for Nightjar by the British Trust for Ornithology
• Experience working within the conservation sector with volunteers and staff from various conservation organisations
• Collect data which will be used to aid the wider conservation of Nightjar in the UK

About you
This is an ideal role for anyone who:
• Is interested in improving their bird ID skills
• Would like to gain the opportunity to work with organisations within the conservation sector
• Is happy to undertake survey work at anti-social hours
• Is able to work under their own initiative and manage their time accordingly
• Is flexible and willing to work outdoors
• Enjoys working as part of team. 

About Us
Our role is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We involve people and organisations in looking after this protected landscape, provide information about the area’s special qualities and encourage people to visit and enjoy the area.

Other Information
Volunteer Supervisors:
Verity Jones – Blackdowns AONB Volunteer Co-ordinator
Rob Greenhalgh - Forestry England Community Ranger  

Location:
Training event: Blackdown healthy Living Centre, Riverside, Hemyock, EX15 3SH.
Survey sites: will be allocated at the training event but will be within the northern edge of the Blackdown Hills AONB.

Time Commitment:
• Training Event: Either 4th or 11th June, 7-10.30pm starting at the Blackdown Healthy Living Centre, Hemyock and followed by a local site visit
• Surveys: one dusk survey week beginning 15th June and one dawn survey week beginning 13th July
• Undertaking a survey takes approximately 2-3 hours
• Volunteers need to be aware that this role involves anti-social working hours

Training: All volunteers are required to attend the training event where they are given appropriate training and information relevant to their role and the tasks they will undertake.

Accessibility: Blackdowns Healthy Living Centre is an accessible venue and there are a limited number of accessible survey sites. Please make any access requirements known when contacting us.
What to do if you are interested:
Please contact the Blackdown Hills AONB in the following ways:
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Telephone: 01823 680681 or Verity Jones on 07890582682

Please note that this is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment and no employment contract or related rights will arise out of any appointment to this position. All these arrangements are binding in honour only and not intended to be legally binding.